IPL 2018 Retentions: Players for whom Right-to-Match (RTM) cards should be used

#3 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Players retained - Sunil Narine and Andre Russell

Maximum players retainable via RTM - Three

Capped Indian players retainable via RTM - Three

Uncapped Indian players retainable via RTM - Two

Overseas players retainable via RTM - Zero

KKR not retaining Gautam Gambhir is a very bold move.

KKR's pre-auction retention policy surprised many. Sunil Narine did not have a great IPL last year due to a series of corrections done with his bowling action. But KKR team management's belief in Narine may work wonders and help him come back strongly.

Gautam Gambhir - Captain of the KKR side in last year's IPL and a prolific run-getter - Gambhir was not retained by KKR. Although Gambhir has expressed willingness to play for any franchise, KKR may try and retain him during the auction.

Kuldeep Yadav - The Chinaman bowler - Yadav has grown as a cricketer under the leadership of Gambhir at KKR and Virat Kohli while playing for India. Leg-spinners are generally wicket-takers and KKR would not want to miss out on retaining him.

Robin Uthappa - Since IPL 2016, Uthappa has been KKR's top performer with the bat. His batting technique has improved many folds. Uthappa has been honing his wicket-keeping skills as well. If the price is right, Robin Uthappa may be considered for the RTM.

Note - Chris Lynn and Trent Boult cannot be retained as KKR have reached the maximum overseas players (2) limit.